Auto Tips With Denise
CUSTOMER CARE CENTER
This month I will be discussing "BRAKES"?
Stopping power is crucial to a safe and successful driving experience. Need
A set of brakes? Then you'll want a great set of brakes that are always available down the Goodwrench lane at any GM dealer like ST J Auto. You can have your brakes replaced or serviced by GM-vehicle experts. Our Goodwrench technicians are GM trained to understand your vehicle's brakes better than anyone.
If your brake pedal feels different than normal or if you've noticed any change in the way your vehicle brakes (pulls to one side when braking or requires more pressure on the brake pedal), have the brake system inspected at ST J Auto immediately.
WHEN IS BRAKE NOISE SIGNALING A PROBLEM?
Sometimes, you're GM or other vehicle's brakes will alert you when there's trouble. Whistling noises, chirping sounds or grinding are indications that maintenance is required. Here are some common causes of brake noise.
*Worn brake pads
*Heat cracked or worn "un-true" rotors
*Rough finish on resurfaced rotors
*Loose fitting brake pads in the caliper
*Lack of silicone compound on back of brake pad
*Missing springs or anti-rattle clips that should be on the caliper or pad
*Improper tightening sequence of lug nuts or caliper hardware
Vehicles often come equipped with a small thin piece of metal attached to the brake pad to act as a warning indicator when the pad material is getting low and the brake pads should be replaced. This device makes a loud noise on brake application, letting you know it is time to have your brakes serviced.
GENUINE GM PARTS
When you head down the Goodwrench Service lane at ST J Auto you can be sure we are carrying a full line of Genuine GM Parts, each one designed and manufactured to exacting standards for your specific GM vehicle.
DID YOU KNOW?
When you step on your brake pedal, you command a stopping force 10 times as powerful as the force that puts the car in motion. The braking system can exert as much as 1,000 pounds (450kg) of hydraulic pressure on each of the four brakes.
As with exhausts, when your brakes have a problem, they will let you know. Common symptoms include:
*A squealing or grinding noise when braking may indicate an accumulation of brake lining dust. Excessive rust build up on a brake disc. Worn brake pads or linings. Glazed pads or linings. Anti-squeal shims missing or incorrectly fitted on disc pads.
Brakes juddering when applied could indicate worn brake linings, warped brake discs or drums. An accumulation of lining dust inside brake drums. Brake pads sticking in caliper on disc brakes. Broken shoe return springs inside brake drums or loose or worn suspension.
If the vehicle pulls to one side when braking, this may be an indication of an incorrect front drum
Brake adjustment, unequal front tire pressures or contaminated brake shoe linings due to leaking hydraulic wheel cylinder. Additionally, the brake pad may have seized in the caliper, caliper piston or wheel cylinder may have seized or there could be air in the system.
A grinding noise when the brakes are applied could be a result of the brake pads being worn down to the backing plates. Brake linings worn down to the shoes, a stone lodged between the caliper and disc or rust on the discs or drums.
A grinding noise when the brakes are off may mean a stone is lodged between the caliper or splash shield and the disc. Also, it may indicate an excessively slack or worn out front wheel bearing.
A loss of efficiency during heavy breaking or on a long descent may be a result of a worn brake pad or lining material, the hydraulic fluid boiling, producing a vapor lock in the hydraulic system (caused by old or contaminated fluid). It may also be a result of the handbrake being left on or air the system.
A high hard brake pedal may indicate that your brake servo (power assistance) is defective.
Rear wheels locking upon braking may indicate grease on your brake shoes or over adjusted rear brakes.
If you have any of the above symptoms or any concerns at all please drive to ST J Auto and one of our qualified brake specialists will be able to help you..
Every Tuesday is 10% off Senior Citizen's Day
All of our Technicians are ASE Certified
And Did you know?
That Montpelier, Vermont is the only U.S. State capital without a McDonald's?
Why not set up an appointment for a caliper service
$69.95 per axle
Call Denise @ (802) 748-2939
This Month I will be talking about "FUEL ECONOMY"
KEEPING YOUR CAR IN SHAPE:
Keeping your engine properly tuned. Fixing a car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4 percent, though results vary based on the kind of repair and how well it is done. Fixing a serious maintenance problem, such as a faulty oxygen sensor, can improve you mileage by as much as 40 percent.
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.16/gallon
CHECK & REPLACE AIR FILTERS REGULARLY
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.41/gallon
You can improve your gas mileage by around 3.3 percent by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Under-inflated tires can lower gas mileage by .04 percent for every 1 psi drop in pressure of all four tires. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. You can locate proper tire pressures on your driver's side door sticker and also in your owner's manual.
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: up to $0.12/gallon
You can improve your gas mileage by 1-2 percent by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10w-30 motor oil in an engine designed to use 5w-30 can lower your gas mileage by ½ percent. Using 5w-30 in an engine designed for 5w-20 can lower your gas mileage by 1-1.5 percent. Also, look for motor oil that says "Energy Conserving" on the API performance symbol to be sure it contains friction-reducing additives.
Equivalent Gasoline Savings: $0.04-0.08/gallon
Note: Cost savings are based on an assumed fuel price of $4.08
St J Subaru is the Fastest growing Vermont Subaru Dealer by volume
